“Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” – (Hebrews 13:1-3)

How would you act if an angel came to your door? How about an itinerant preacher you encounter on the street?

It may be a clerk, policeman, meter reader, repairman ― as a matter of fact it could be anyone.

Someone you encountered at the grocery store, or behind you at the checkout stand.

Would you be able to discern if any or all of these may be angels?

In Scripture we read that from time to time angels appear to humans. There have been reports in our modern era of encounters with angelic beings.

I have had this experience, and I believe it is safe to say that most of you also have had one at one time or another.

In Genesis chapter 18, we read that Abraham was visited by three men. As it turns out, two of the men were angels and the third was Jesus Himself. It was one of the rare instances where Jesus visited the earth in human form prior to His birth in Bethlehem.

Abraham’s reaction to the visitors was to leap to his feet and greet them. He opened his heart and home to them and insured that they received nourishment. Hospitality was shown before he became aware of who they were. In giving them water and food he entertained angels (and the Lord) unawares. That is what today’s Scripture from Hebrews 13 says we may experience.

The bottom line is that we are called to be the friendliest and most gracious people on the face of the earth.

People should see Jesus in the way we reach out and make people feel welcome.

There are scores of lonely people who are starving for hospitality. Are you and I willing to open our hearts to them?

Remember ― it may be an angel calling!

- – - written by Pastor Connie  - – - (Visit www.faithitout.com)

As I gazed up at the mountains, I was awed by their majesty; I bowed my head and asked myself, “Why should He care for me? I am not great like the mountains that tower so high above, What is there about me that God can find to love?”

“Father, I am not strong like the wind that makes your tall trees sway, I cannot sing sweetly like your birds; will you love me anyway? But most of all, I am simply me, and often have cause to fear, In spite of all my weaknesses, do you promise to be near?”

With eyes closed tight against my tears, I wished He could hear me pray. Then I felt His Spirit tell me, “Child, look up, I have something to say. “You are simply you, the spirit I love, a part of my great plan. I put you here to learn of life and to return to me again.”

“You are more beautiful to me than the loveliest mountain I made, And your strength exceeds that of the wind’s, so do not be afraid. I love you not for what you are, but for what I know you will be. I am always beside you watching you grow, you are very special to me.”

A smile touched my lips – I knew it was true, my Father had always been there Giving me comfort and blessings and love and my own special talents to share. So I do my best to make Him proud. I am not afraid, for you see, He loves me not for what I am, but for what He knows I will be.

While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit. - (2 Corinthians 5:4-5)

Two forces are at work within us as children of God. They work in opposite directions at the same time. Our bodies are subjected to decay and move in the direction of things mortal — death awaits our physical form. However, our inner natures are being transformed and conformed to the nature and character of Christ.

Life is at work in us even though it looks like death will claim us. This is because of the work of the Spirit, who not only will give our spirits life, but also empower us to resurrection with a new, glorious and immortal body to share in what is life indeed!

Prayer : To you, God, the Eternal and Almighty One, be glory and honor, forever and ever. May my life reflect your eternal glory as the Holy Spirit works in me and brings your assurance of grace to me. Thank you, Father, for personally preparing me for this transformation. In Jesus’ name I thank you. Amen.